# Neuro-immune regulation of inter-organ skin-gut inflammation

> **NIH NIH K99** · WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV · 2024 · $128,250

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Research: Emerging studies have characterized intricate neuro-immune interactions that influence immunity and
tissue homeostasis at various barrier surfaces. Thus, synergistic targeting of neuro-immune pathways may be a
novel therapeutic approach for treating various inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases
(IBD). My recent study demonstrated that a cholinergic neuropeptide, neuromedin U (NMU), and intestinal tissue-
resident group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) cooperatively regulate the pathogenesis of IBD. However, the
etiology of IBD is highly complex, and patients with extraintestinal inflammation, such as chronic inflammatory
skin diseases, also present gastrointestinal complications and are at increased risk for IBD. Based on my new
preliminary data combined with my recent work, this proposal will investigate the role of NMU and ILC2s in
regulating such skin-gut inflammatory circuits. Completion of proposed studies will allow for the rational design
and development of novel therapeutics and preventative medicine for IBD and other inflammatory diseases.
Career Goals: My overarching career goal is to become an independent investigator at an academic institution
to study novel approaches to harness neuro-immune circuitries to treat inflammatory diseases. Furthermore, I
believe that training future scientists is also an essential aspect of being an independent investigator. Thus, I will
strive to become an inspirational mentor for my future trainees.
Career Development Plan: To successfully transition to independence, I must develop various scientific,
professional, and personal skills, including broadening my expertise in murine models of skin inflammation and
molecular and cellular techniques to modulate neuro-immune interactions in the skin and the intestine. I must
also cultivate collaborations and skills in writing, communicating, mentoring, and laboratory management. In
addition to the support provided by mentors and advisory committee members, I will participate in workshops
and programs led by distinguished scientists at Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM) and the New York Academy of
Sciences to aid in developing skills in specialized experimental techniques and laboratory management.
Career Development Environment: I will conduct the K99 phase of the proposed research in the Artis lab (WCM),
which is located at the heart of the Tri-Institutional campus, comprising the WCM, The Rockefeller, and Memorial
Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. The laboratory has access to all the state-of-art equipment and core facilities
required to complete the experiments proposed in this proposal, including transcriptomic sequencing, optical and
high-throughput imaging, and the animal facility. Lastly, as part of Cornell University, WCM follows the `Open
Doors, Open Hearts, Open Minds' initiatives to improve diversity, inclusion, and accessibility on campus. Their
monthly town hall meetings will be an invaluable resourc...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10985590
- **Project number:** 1K99AI180354-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV
- **Principal Investigator:** Hiroshi Yano
- **Activity code:** K99 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $128,250
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-06-01 → 2026-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10985590

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10985590, Neuro-immune regulation of inter-organ skin-gut inflammation (1K99AI180354-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10985590. Licensed CC0.

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